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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Architectural Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48734  National Certificate: Architectural Technology 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Architecture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CETA - Construction Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2028-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
  • To provide an introduction to the architectural profession and its role within the broader context of the Built Environment.
  • Provide the learner with the skills, competencies and academic knowledge required to practice in the Built Environment as a "Candidate Architectural Draughtsperson" and after a period of supervised practical experience and / or other requirements as specified by the professional registration body, as an "Architectural Draughtsperson".
  • To create an early comprehensive exit level to:
  • Allow ease of movement to other (related) fields of expertise
  • Encourage life- long learning by setting achievable milestones
  • Introduce an academic qualification in the event of interrupted studies.

    Rationale:
  • To align a registered academic qualification to the entry level professional registration category "Candidate Architectural Draughtsperson" as defined by the Architectural Professions Act (see International comparability). It is imperative that education providers respond to the requirements for professional registration at each registration category.
  • To implement a qualification that has a strong focus on developing skills for employment within the Architectural Profession/s.
  • To provide for greater inclusivity in and access to the profession, increasing the human resource base for the profession at large.
  • To provide a generic entry-level qualification that allows for greater flexibility to a number of articulation options; horizontal (e.g. Civil Engineering), vertical (e.g. ND Architectural Technology) and diagonal (e.g. Bachelor of Architectural Studies). 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • FET Certificate at NQF 04 or equivalent.
  • Competency in the language of instruction of the provider.
  • Numeric proficiency (mathematics, physics, or related fields).

    Recognition of prior learning.

    Formal Prior Learning

    Prior learning of a learner is recognised if evidence is produced that shows that the learner has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the outcomes and associated assessment criteria for admission to programmes of study leading to the qualification. If appropriate, RPL may allow for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full as determined and explained in the RPL Policy documents of providers.

    Non- Formal and Informal Prior Experiential Learning

    An applicant, whose level of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes have not been assessed earlier (in terms of the formal qualification in question) but can demonstrate in appropriate ways; i.e. through assessment by the provider to which application is made, that he/she has acquired those skills and competencies, may be considered for admission to a programme of study leading to this qualification.

    An applicant who, after such assessment is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of further academic development, will be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission or to parallel programmes after admission. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Fundamental
    Verbal and written communication skills 12
    Entrepreneurial skills 06
    Total: 18

    Elective
    Graphic communication skills 18
    Design theory / history 12
    Applied building sciences 06
    Computer Applications 06
    Total: 42

    Core
    Architectural Design Skills 12
    Construction technology 18
    Architectural draughtsmanship 30 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Component 1
    Competencies relating to Architectural Design theory and skills application

    The focus of this component is on:

    A. Design Theory
  • The historical context of Design and Architecture
  • The formulation of a design strategy for simple designs

    B. Design Skill Application
  • Resolving simple planning exercises
  • Creative problem solving in the context of the built environment

    Exit level outcomes
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship between Architecture and its social context
  • Demonstrate the ability to resolve a simple design project
  • Integrate applied research and design strategy to creatively solve simple design problems

    Component 2
    Competencies relating to Construction Technology theory and skills application as it relates to the field of Architecture

    The focus of this component is on:

    A. Construction Technology Theory
  • Elementary principles of:
  • construction technology
  • materials applications and characteristics
  • services (plumbing, drainage and electrical)
  • The principles governing SABS specifications and the National Building Regulations

    B. Construction Technology Skill Application
  • Appropriate application of elementary construction principles and details
  • Appropriate use of materials and service installations (plumbing, drainage and electrical)

    Exit level outcomes
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship between Architecture and its scientific context
  • Research appropriate construction precedents
  • Apply an understanding of accepted good construction practice
  • Produce appropriate construction detailing solutions that comply with relevant constraints
  • Design service installations for simple projects
  • Consult and coordinate with specialist consultants and trades


    Component 3
    Competencies relating to written and verbal communication skills

    The focus of this component is on:

    A. Theory
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Industry specific terminology and language skills
  • Introduction to research methodology

    B. Skill Application
  • Basic business communication methods
  • Personal self- image projection
  • Technical specification writing
  • Correct referencing

    Exit level outcomes
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics of the business environment
  • Communicate effectively and accurately with other professions and trades in the built environment
  • Be fully conversant with terminology used in the architectural environment
  • Ability to project a professional image


    Component 4
    Competencies relating to graphic communication skills

    The focus of this component is on:

    A. Theory
  • Conventions of the professions and trades within the built environment
  • Understanding of the relationships within the construction industry

    B. Skill Application
  • Graphic Communication from conceptual design sketches to technologically competent instruction drawings.
  • Draughtsmanship
  • Incorporating computer technology in presentation and communication methods Creative problem solving in the context of the built environment

    Exit level outcomes
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the purposes of various drawing types
  • Produce a range of technically competent drawings as required by the construction industry, so as to ensure coordination between all users of drawings
  • Apply appropriate conventions and high quality draughtsmanship to drawings, using a range of drawing methods
  • Read and interpret drawings produced by other professions in the built environment 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
    Associated assessment criteria
    Evidence shows that:
  • Appropriate precedents and case studies sourced from theoretical and physical sources are selected, investigated, analysed and applied.
  • Creative design solutions are produced which comply with good practice relating to:
  • Aesthetics
  • Appropriate Technology
  • Planning and Functionality

    2.
    Associated assessment criteria
    Evidence shows that:
    creative technological solutions complying with good practice and understanding of the practical constraints relating to:
  • Materials and methods
  • Site constraints
  • Legislation
  • Services
    is demonstrated.

    3.
    Associated assessment criteria
    Evidence shows that:
  • Appropriate terminology and syntax is used.
  • Appropriate multi- modal communication aids (written, verbal and drawn) are used.
  • An ability to employ business writing conventions is demonstrated.

    4.
    Associated assessment criteria
    Evidence shows that:
  • Timeously produce drawings that comply with the requirements of the users
  • Produce "Council Submission" drawings as specified by the NBR and local authorities
  • Produce details and specifications of
  • Materials
  • Workmanship
  • Methods
  • Apply effective cross referencing between drawings.

    Integrated assessment
  • Formative evaluation through:
  • Continuous evaluation of projects and assignments
  • Panel evaluation and discussion
  • Portfolio presentations
  • Summative evaluation through:
  • Tests
  • Examinations
  • Portfolio presentations 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Internationally, the registration categories within the Architectural Profession are mostly limited to first degree and upwards and usually for the category of "Architect" only. The South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) however has four registration categories. There is no precedent for a programme that is aimed specifically at qualifying a "Candidate Architectural Draughtsperson" for professional registration purposes. It is imperative that South African education providers respond to the requirements of professional registration at each registration category and that a suitable academic outcome is established. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical
  • Direct access into NQF level 6 National Diploma: Architectural Technology at second year level, subject to institutional discretionary requirements having been met.

    Diagonal
  • For learners with a strong design aptitude, entrance into NQF level 6
  • Bachelor of Architectural Studies with credit for subjects completed, subject to institutional discretionary requirements having been met.

    Horizontal
  • Professional registration as Candidate Architectural Draughtsperson and subsequent internship.
  • Access to NQF level 6 specific area focused programmes in the career focused track subject to provider's discretionary requirements having been met. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Criteria for the registration of Assessors
  • Assessors must have the required interpersonal skills, subject matter expertise and assessment expertise as set out by SAQA regulations.
  • Assessors may be sourced from
  • trainers / teachers / lecturers internal to the training provider
  • colleagues / peers
  • assessors external to the training provider
  • Assessors assessing a learner against the performance criteria set for this qualification must be registered with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    Moderation options include
  • External peer reviews.
  • Assessment of standards by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) in terms of the Architectural Professions Act 44 of 2000.
  • Compliance with frameworks, regulations, and requirements established by the Higher Education Qualification Committee (HEQC) which includes the appointment of accredited / registered external examiners (external to the provider). 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. African Academey for the Built Environment NPC 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.